Should We Be Going on As If the World Isn’t a Mess?

I recently attended my kid’s school Mass. I love to go and see them experience the word of God without their parents breathing down their necks. I’m always impressed with how well the kids behave. It makes my mama heart happy. This particular day, one of the teachers opened a window, and it gave me a moment of discomfort. Obviously, I was still a little shaken about the school church shootings from last fall. My mind wandered a bit from that point. I couldn’t help but think about the fact that we are living in difficult times. Kids are being shot through a window while at church. Multiple attempts have been made on our president’s life. A man was publicly murdered because he effectively communicated with the youth.  Countries with opposing religious views want us obliterated. We have no idea if or when they will attack. We are living in a time of religious and political violence.  Yet, here we are. We’re still going to church, participating in sports, and going out to dinner. Living our lives as though all is well in the world.  I wondered to myself, are we just being willfully ignorant?  Are we ignoring the proverbial elephant in the room? Then I was calmed by the answer. Yes, this world is a dumpster fire the likes of which I have never seen or heard of. That doesn’t change the fact that we are called to live and bring joy to the world. Getting up every day, choosing the Lord, living with joy in the face of such wickedness- that is biblical, and it is exactly what we are told to do.

The Bible is rich with stories of people who continued their lives with boldness and hope during the worst of times. Job and Daniel are 2 great examples. They persevered during the most heinous of times and never lost faith in their God.  Moses and his people endured highly difficult times. An early interaction between Moses and God beautifully illustrates the faithfulness with which God cares for us, especially in difficult times. “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ He said ‘I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.’” (Ex. 3:11). God led Moses to do nearly impossible things during an absolutely terrible time. Moses’ faithfulness is a testament to continuing in faith. Not just enduring, but going on with faithfulness. His story is full of difficulties that would induce many to give up. Moses kept going, and so should we. 

I recently read the story of Esther. What a woman of grace and courage. When her people (the Jews) were threatened, she went to the king to stop this plot. Even though she was the queen, she had no permission to visit the king without being summoned. She could have been put to death for doing this, but she took that chance because she knew she must fight for her people. The result? The plot was revealed, the people at fault were killed, and the Jews were able to continue to live freely. The celebration of Purim followed. Esther could have hidden herself away, relied on the protection of her guards, and waited for the slaughter to pass. Instead, she put herself at risk to protect her people. She is a beautiful sign of bravery and tenacity in times of trouble.

It is obvious that God wants us to continue through the difficult times, but why? Why can’t we just hunker down, protecting our children from the insanity of the world? Why can’t we wait this craziness out? I think, as followers of Christ, it is our responsibility to radiate joy and hope in the world. No matter the struggles, we will be in paradise with him. This is all just temporary, and we have to have hope in that knowledge. Furthermore, we are faithful people. How many times have you had someone ask you for prayers or seek your guidance because they knew that you were a faithful person? We make our faith known to the world, and so we have a responsibility to be the light in the darkness. People may look to you and me to see just how fearful of this world we should be. We have to show courage and faith. 

Sometimes showing that courage and faith is difficult because we aren’t feeling courageous. I think of the quote by Nelson Mandela: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Our great Bible is abundant with insight for living during difficult times. I will pick a few of my favorite verses that (I believe) are most suitable for the topic.

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.” (2 Cor. 4:8-9)

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13)

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2)

And my personal favorite:

“If God is for us, who is against us?”(Rom. 8:31)

So, if you’re like me and you sometimes feel yourself wondering if it’s appropriate to get excited about a new movie coming out or set up camp for a long day at the soccer field, it is. It’s appropriate to make a big Sunday dinner with family. It’s appropriate to celebrate all the big and small days of blessing. In fact, it’s not just appropriate, it’s what we as the faithful are called to do.

Recommended song: Still Waters by Leanna Crawford